Eaton grant pumps $30,000 into Kirby Rebirth project

The Kirby Rebirth: Upstairs-Uptown project received an early Christmas present in the form of a $30,000 grant from the Eaton Charitable Fund to help renovate the second floor of the Kirby Cultural Arts Complex in uptown Roxboro. The grant is one of largest charitable gifts received so far in the campaign, second only to Roxboro Savings Bank’s $50,000 matching gifts grant that initiated the campaign last winter.
“The priority areas of our community action plan are education, development of future workforce, and improving the quality of life in Person County and the City of Roxboro,” said Glenn McLean, Roxboro Plant Manager, who noted that the grant was one of the largest awarded during his eight-year tenure as Roxboro Plant Manager. “The Kirby Rebirth Project aligns with these priority areas, and we believe the renovations of the Kirby Theater will have a positive impact on the community and quality of life in Person County.

“The renovated section will provide the community with additional space to hold cultural and educational events, community forums, and artwork displays. This will attract more patrons to the area and increase the cultural enrichment of the community. We hope the community will also benefit economically with an increase in visitors to the uptown area and more patrons to support local businesses.”

Piedmont Community College (PCC) is leading the community drive to raise $213,000 for the first phase of the Kirby Rebirth project. This phase will include the installation of an elevator, stairway improvements, and electrical upgrades. Overall plans call for improvements to the second floor space to include a large meeting room, gallery space, and restrooms.

“This $30,000 grant from the Eaton Charitable Fund is a welcome and much appreciated expression of support for the Kirby Rebirth project,” said Dr. Walter Bartlett, PCC President. “Eaton Corp. has always been a strong community partner as evidenced by this grant. We are very grateful for their generosity and show of support for the project and our community.”

PCC is working in partnership with Person County Government to manage the Kirby Cultural Arts Center, which includes the Kirby Theater, the Kirby Gallery, and the Kirby Learning Studios where PCC offers classes in its Associate in Fine Arts program. Person County Government, the owner of the Kirby Cultural Arts Center facility, has contributed $40,000 to the project to this point.

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